Every day scientists discover and describe new species. This blog introduces at least one each day.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Giant waterbug

Yesterday I wrote about a dive beetle, a ferocious predator.
Today I thought I just continue with large freshwater insects that prey on
small fish, frogs, and even snakes. The giant water bug (Lethocerus americanus) can get up to 6
cm long which is fairly large for an insect. It belongs to the large group of true bugs
which means it is not a beetle. Actually it is more related to stinkbugs,
leafhoppers and cicadas.

The adult bug swims with its hind legs. The front legs are
used for capturing and latching onto its prey, which it then injects with
digestive toxins through a stinger much like that of a mosquito. The giant
water bug then let its prey pre-digest for 10–15 minutes before eating.

This bug is also known as "toe biter" as it can
deliver a painful bite if handled or disturbed.

And here a video I found on YouTube that shows that these bugs indeed attack animals that are much larger then they are. The beginning is a bit blurry but it gets better. I would recommend switching off the sound though.